GOP Senator Mike Rounds expressed support for FBI Director Christopher Wray despite President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement that he would nominate Kash Patel to replace Wray. Wray, who has been in the position since 2017, would need to be fired or step down voluntarily for Patel to take over, as FBI directors typically serve 10-year terms to prevent political influence.
Rounds praised Wray’s performance during closed-door meetings, and indicated that he would evaluate Patel and other nominees fairly during the confirmation process. Senator Ted Cruz also expressed confidence in Patel’s nomination, stating that he expects all of Trump’s Cabinet picks to be confirmed by the Senate.
Senator Chuck Grassley criticized Wray’s leadership at the FBI but did not explicitly endorse Patel’s nomination, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability at the agency. The Trump transition team did not immediately respond to Rounds’ comments.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan defended Wray’s tenure, noting that FBI directors typically serve full terms regardless of the president who appointed them. Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin echoed these sentiments, calling on the Senate to reject Patel’s nomination and uphold the tradition of maintaining FBI director appointments for their intended terms.
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